Obviously, this will contain spoilers for Rogue One. If you’re one of the few people who decided to wait until the Blu-ray release, be warned: a crucial part of the movie could be ruined for you. So, continue reading at your own risk.
It’s hard to believe, but the Rogue One machine continues to roll along. Over a month following its domestic release, the movie is still crushing it overseas, becoming the latest movie to pass the one-billion-dollar. And, with a such a large, impassioned viewership, a comparable amount of questions was sure to follow.
One particular question arose during the movie’s finale. The ending was spectacular, with Darth Vader Force-battling his way through multiple Rebels as he tried to recapture the Death Star plans. However, his efforts fell short, as the last Rebel carried the plans onto Tantive IV… which happened to be carrying a certain Princess from Alderaan.
Seeing a CGI Princess Leia was a pleasant surprise, and the fact that Rogue One ended right where A New Hope begins was mind-boggingly amazing. However, one has to ask the following questions: why was Princess Leia at the battle on Scarif to begin with? She wasn’t a military leader (yet), or a soldier, so what was her purpose on the beach planet? Thankfully, on the latest episode of The Star Wars Show, Lucasfilm Executive Pable Hidalgo answered that very question.
“The plan was always that Leia was going to go to Tatooine to pick up Obi-Wan and Raddus was going to escort her. Then the news of Scarif came in, and that was deemed more important … [because] it’s the one warship that they have at this point.”
So, there you have it. Leia was on her way to rendezvous with Obi-Wan Kenobi before Jyn, Cassian and the rest of their crew went… uh… rogue. To think, if they didn’t go against direct orders, there would be no C-3PO and R2-D2 wandering Tattooine. Which means they would never meet Luke Skywalker. Which means there would be no hero to take down The Empire! (Which means Jek Porkins might survive!) The events in Rogue One are literally the first domino to begin the eventual dismantling of Palpatine, which shows the amazing script skills from The Rogue One writing coalition.
The finale of Rogue One was a fitting ending for an exciting Star Wars movie. However, the Leia scene has been met with controversy, much like Grand Moff Tarkin’s reintroduction.
The idea of using CGI stand-ins for deceased actors creates a brand-new set of moral/legal quandaries. Now, with the passing of Carrie Fisher, some fans are worried Star Wars will continue her journey in Episode IX with a similar doppelganger. Thankfully, and according to StarWars.com, Carrie’s likeness won’t be digitally reproduced in future films.
“We want to assure our fans that Lucasfilm has no plans to digitally recreate Carrie Fisher’s performance as Princess or General Leia Organa.
Carrie Fisher was, is, and always will be a part of the Lucasfilm family. She was our princess, our general, and more importantly, our friend. We are still hurting from her loss. We cherish her memory and legacy as Princess Leia, and will always strive to honor everything she gave to Star Wars.”
Gareth Edwards and the rest of the Rogue One production team left no stones unturned in this movie. It appears any questions fans could have are met with immediate answers. So, while it might have seemed weird that a princess was watching the first battle between the Rebels and Empire, it actually made perfect sense. Perhaps it was great screenwriting, or maybe it was just the Force all along. I’m going to go with the Force.
